Government to go ahead with Aranmula airport project: Oommen Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram: Despite protests and campaigns by various environmental groups, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy made it clear that the government would not back away from the Aranmula airport project.

"All clearances for the project were given during the previous Communist Party of India-Marxist-led LDF government," Chandy said while answering questions on protests against the private airport project at Aranmula promoted by the KGS Group.

"What is the point in opposing the project now," Chandy told reporters after a Cabinet meeting, asserting that there was no violation of the Land Law.

He also made it clear that the government would allow more land acquisition only for the construction of the runway and works connected to the Airport.

Chandy said that the local people in the area were not against the project and Government had not received any complaint regarding this.

Environmentalists are protesting, alleging that large areas of paddy fields in the area have been filled for airport purposes violating land rules and the project would endanger the environment and heritage of Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district, where the famous Parthasarthi Temple is situated.

The issue came into focus again as the project estimated to attract Rs 2000 crore investment got clearance from the Environment Ministry.

The promoters plan to complete the first phase by December 2015.

The 'Aranmula Heritage Protection Samiti' leaders have vowed to go ahead with their struggle against the project.